Fidget spinners catching fire prompts warning from U.S. government

A U.S. government agency has issued a safety warning over fidget spinners, after multiple reports of the toys catching fire.

“There have been some reports of fires involving battery-operated fidget spinners,” the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warned in a statement Thursday.

The fires involved Bluetooth-enabled fidget spinners that connect to a smartphone and play music while they spin, but need to be charged.

WATCH: Arizona boy gets fidget spinner stuck on finger

2:15 Arizona boy gets fidget spinner stuck on finger, now the family is sending a warning out to others

In June, a Bluetooth fidget spinner caught fire in Alabama after it was left charging for about 45 minutes, the International Business Times reported. No one was hurt in the incident, although there was minor damage inside the house.

In another case in Michigan, a mother told NBC News that her son’s Bluetooth-enabled toy also caught fire while charging in May.

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“The fidget spinner was on fire on my counter,” she said.

Share this on X Click to share quote on X: "The fidget spinner was on fire on my counter," she said.

The CPSC listed ways to ensure the toy is being used safely.

READ MORE: Do fidget spinners really work or are they a distraction?

CPSC advised that fidget spinners shouldn’t be left unattended while charging, and should never be plugged in overnight. It added that they should only be charged using the cable they came with, or a cable with the “correct connections for charging.”

It’s important the toy is unplugged as soon as it’s done charging, the release stated.

READ MORE: Unpacking fidget spinners: tool or toy?

The commission also warned that small pieces of plastic and metal spinners can break off and become a choking hazard for young children.

It noted that youth as old as 14 years have experienced choking incidents, and recommended that children under three not be given any access to the toys.

“Fidget spinners can be fun to use but consumers and companies should be aware of some of the safety concerns associated with this product,” the CPSC statement read.